Hey, I'm kind of new here. Sorry if there is a thread about this issue. I have a 1996 Volvo 850 GLT non-turbo 2.4L. I bought it for $600 last January. It have 325+k on the body (still in a great shape). The engine is about 65k as the previous owner told me, which he didn't take a good care of the vehicle...

The problem is my vehicle won't start to run, few times a month. I always have to make sure I unlock the driver door twice before get in because of the alarm. It turn over and it wont start unless I keep turning until it start and I hit gas pedal to stay running, then good to go OORRR I let it rest for few hours and then come back, it start right up. It's annoying! I don't want to be stuck again lol. I think it could be a faulty fuel pump because when I pushed the fuel pressure valve after it didn't start, not much fuel come out plus I didn't hear it run loud enough when I turn key on. I don't know if that's it. If it is a fuel pump, how I take a board off behind the backseat to replace the fuel pump? Other possibly issues could be PCV and wires as I know of. I'm sure the spark/ignition system is ok. The air filter isn't dirty. I do have small anti-freeze and transmission leaks, I doubt that count. Well, I'd be glad someone know the problem. Thanks! BTW, it's my first Volvo.

 

Based on the info in your post (good job of giving us the context..) my first guess would be the fuel pump relay. It's a common failure point on these cars and when they start to fail, heat soak seems to accentuate it.

But I don't like to shotgun diagnose car problems; you should get a DVM and diagnose it. There's an access panel above the tank where you can ck to see if the pump is getting pwr when the failure occurs. With some googling you should be able to find lots of inventive ways to troubleshoot it.

How much of a DIY tech are you?

 

 

 

Sorry for late reply. I had internet issue. I took automotive classes for 4 years (saved all notes) and haven't done much about an year now, which I may forget few things. Anyway, I put the new fuel pump relay in and tested the fuel pump - it was running fine. The vehicle won't start. I took spark plugs out and make sure there isn't anymore fuel inside the cylinders. I noticed spark plugs are Bosch Platinum Plus as I've heard many of them having misfires. I bought new Volvo genuine spark plugs and put them in, the vehicle start right up just fine and I never had issue after that. It run smoother. Thanks for replying!